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Red Wings will ‘respect’ Pavel Datsyuk’s decision about playing in Sochi

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James OBrien

The Detroit Red Wings have been without Pavel Datsyuk for more a month due to injury, but it appears he’ll play for Russia in the upcoming Sochi Olympics.

Datsyuk last played for Detroit at the 2014 Winter Classic, missing the last 12 games due to a a lower-body injury. He also sat out for seven games through November and December after suffering a concussion on a hit to the head from Ottawa’s Jared Cowen. It’s been an injury-plagued season for the 35-year-old Datsyuk.

So you can understand the trepidation the Red Wings’ organization has when it comes to the idea of Datsyuk competing in the men’s hockey event in his home country.

“Am I worried?” Red Wings’ general manager Ken Holland told the Toronto Sun.

“Of course, I’m worried. But I understand what an opportunity this is for every Russian and every other player. Pavel has a decision to make and I understand that it’s his decision and I respect that its his decision.”

Earlier this week, there were reports that Datsyuk’s teammate in Detroit, Johan Franzen, will not play for Sweden at the Olympics because of a concussion.

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